Step 3: Develop a Contact List

Purpose: To develop a comprehensive list of contacts who can play a role in supporting and promoting CAP site.

a. Brainstorm a list of influential members in the community

These people may have access to funding sources, make decision that affect CAP site and talk to other influential community members on a regular basis.

When these key contacts know about your services and importance, they will be more willing to support CAP site and share the information of CAP site with other members of the community.

The contact might include:

• Community groups (e.g. Chamber of Commerce, small business organization)
• School officials
• Directors of local social service organizations (e.g. local Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization, the department of senior services, the country employment office)
• Individual donors and/or foundations
• Local elected officials (e.g., city council members, country commissioners, legislators)
• Libraries and museums
• Major manufactures or business concern in or near neighborhood: restaurant, travel agencies, data services, police, etc.
• Members of the media: local newspaper, cable access stations, magazines, circulators of advertising, billboard companies.

b. Find contact information for these persons and organizations by looking up the contact info on the Internet or in the phone directory. Call each one to confirm the contact information and let him or her know that you might be sending newsletter or invitations to an event. This call will help to start up a relationship.

c: Create a “Key Contact List” on your computer for easy access and updating.